Introduction
Yaki Udon is a delicious and easy-to-make Japanese stir-fried noodle dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Japan right to your kitchen. Made with chewy udon noodles, tender meat, and a variety of colorful vegetables, this dish is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to Japanese cuisine, Yaki Udon is a versatile meal that you can whip up in no time.
Ingredients
For the Noodles and Meat
- 8 oz. udon noodles (fresh or frozen)
- 6 oz. beef, chicken, pork, or tofu (thinly sliced) I
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup sliced onion
- 1/2 cup sliced bell pepper (red, green, or yellow)
- 1/2 cup sliced cabbage
- 1/4 cup sliced carrots
- 2 green onions (chopped)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin (or substitute with 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 tablespoon of water)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparing the Noodles
- Boil the Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the udon noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes for fresh or frozen noodles. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Cooking the Meat and Vegetables
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Meat or Tofu: Add the sliced meat or tofu to the skillet. Stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Stir-fry the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the onion, bell pepper, cabbage, and carrots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Combining the Dish
- Mix in the Noodles: Add the cooked udon noodles and the meat or tofu back to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Add the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, mirin, sesame oil, garlic, and black pepper. Pour the sauce over the noodle mixture.
- Toss to Combine: Gently toss everything together, ensuring the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top and serve hot.
Recommendations and Substitutions
- Noodles: If you can’t find udon noodles, soba or thick spaghetti can be used as substitutes. Just be sure to adjust cooking times according to the package instructions.
- Protein Options: Besides beef, chicken, pork, or tofu, you can use shrimp or a combination of your favorite proteins.
- Vegetables: Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand, such as mushrooms, broccoli, or snap peas. This is a great way to use up leftover veggies in the fridge.
- Spice It Up: For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of chili paste or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Make It Vegetarian: Simply omit the meat and add more tofu or your favorite plant-based protein for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Conclusion
Yaki Udon is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. It’s a versatile recipe that allows you to use your favorite ingredients and adjust flavors to your liking. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this quick and satisfying meal is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the rich flavors and the delightful textures of this classic Japanese stir-fried noodle dish!
